- Ignore daily static like unemployment rates, RE price fluctuations- Focus on long term trends in choosing a market- Demographic Factors- Population Size- Focus on MSAs of at least 200,000 population or more- Population Growth Trend - Economic Diversity- Anchors- Relative Price /CAP RatesWe decided to choose two markets so we could hone in and try and not try to focus on to many.

I believe the cost fluctuates depending on what service you need or want. 

A good rule of thumb I use on multi-family/commercial is to request 3 years of Income and Expense statements so that you see how much the utilities can fluctuate throughout the year. 

Additionally, the HELOC will be prime plus, so your rates could fluctuate.

Will keep ya'll posted.Question:  If I want to buy a second home as an investment property before 12 mos, do my mortgage rates fluctuate ?  

Rates shouldn't fluctuate too much, mainly be on the lookout for extra fees or any upfront costs. 

It's in NW Florida, and near the water the temperatures don't fluctuate as much as they do inland.

I was also held up with the contractors bids not matching and contingency percentages fluctuating. 

Sometimes there are fluctuations in spending, so I take an entire year and average it out.  

Although I have calculated it into my numbers, I get extra conservative because of the fluctuation of cost.